November 24th, 2018

Saturday morning cartoons with Daniel Tiger. If it wasn’t for the abundance of quality EQ concepts for kids and valuable parental insights, it’d hard to read or watch the same thing so frequently.

Barn version 22, now with rocket-powered tractors

Writing birthday thank you cards, with careful supervision of the glitter markers. Ella is sticker captain.

First viewing of Frosty the Snowman

Des assisting dad make sushi

Des trying out a new set of trainer chopsticks while Eleanor tries out her new hand-me-down set

Taking much longer than dad expected, the first course of shelled edamame provided the right level of food and entertainment.

Edible.

A land speed record for consumption, from the little zen masters of the slow food movement

He had to resort to the prior chopsticks, still a bit too much to coordinate with four-year-old-sized hands

November 23rd, 2018

Each barn Des constructs must contain a fully operational crane

While the world is out shopping, it’s a good morning for a zoo trip with some friends

Petting the starfish, which will never be the same after watching Finding Dory

Des still insists this is not Nemo, but Nemo’s father, Martin

Little fishies convention

20+ laps later, still had to coax her into going to see the butterflies

Not her first time at the butterfly pavilion, but certainly the most excited she’s been to see so many real butterflies

Ella opted to join dad (racing eyes-closed through the insect section) to see the big butterflies outside

Ella (respectfully) encounters a new, inquisitive friend

The Great Standoff

Des keeping up with Grace and Clara

Little monkeys surveying the jungle

“Is your mama a llama?” I asked my friend Dave. “No, she is not,” is the answer Dave gave. “She hangs by her feet, and she lives in a cave. I do not believe that’s how llamas behave.” “Oh,” I said. “You are right about that. I think that your mama sounds more like a…”

This may have been right after Grace bonked Ella, but no tears

“Turtle!”

“When something is new, holding a hand can help you.”

Mom thoughtfully squeezing in as much exercise before nap time

And because it was a Friday, time to seize the falafel at Oasis Falafel of Omaha. Run, don’t walk.

Celebrating Falafel Friday with aunt Kellie

A bit hangry and pouty

But who wouldn’t smile at this feast??

After naps, it was time for the annual tradition of the tree lighting at the Durham Museum. Of course it all starts with meeting this guy-

One of the first in line to see Santa, going early is certainly advantageous. Then it’s off to decorate, and then consume, cookies.

The first holiday cookie of the season

When dad asked Eleanor if she would share a little bit of her cookie, she was eager to oblige. Des points to the crumb that was (laughably) even too small for a mouse.

Rudolph!

One of these years we’ll stay late enough for the actual lighting ceremony 🙂

Des with some trepidation, but not sister.

Staring at the tiny cows and chickens

Yeah, someone is tired

Thanksgiving 2018

The lego barn from last night gets a complete renovation

“YAY” for parades!

Eleanor checking on dad’s bread

Have to wear ear protection when watching marching bands, apparently this includes TV appearances as well

While there is a linear limit to track lengths in the living room, Des is eager to explore the limits. With a little help from the cow.

Ms. Lounge

…continued.

There was a bit of a mixup on meal/nap timing, with Eleanor eventually shifting into the ultra-rare “full gutted velociraptor mode.” Knowing time was of no use to the situation, dad resorted to driving her around in the car until she passed out. Even Eleanor’s inner strength and persistence is no match for being tired in a car on the interstate. Ten minutes into the nice fall drive towards the Loess Hills Scenic Byway (strategically selected for the sleeping-supporting shady ravines), she was out cold.

Des and Viv playing some variant of Go, obviously to their own rules

Saying “hi” to the chickens

Aunt Megan graciously giving shaggy Des a haircut

Pre-dinner arts and crafts time

That’s a Thanksgiving wrap

November 21st, 2018

Eleanor eating a wrap intact for the first time!

Des requested a photo of his lego creation, Barn and Millennium Falcon

November 19th, 2018

Slime from a project with ma

November 18th, 2018

Llama kids attending winter PE class before lunch. Des has to get 10 coins on the Wii, and while he still tries at hula hooping, gets most of his workout through running and out-pacing his guide. Ella adorably interacts with her battery-less controller.

November 17th, 2018

Des helping dad fix mom’s new office lounge chair in grandpa’s garage

If an object has wheels, it will be ridden

Grandpa showing Des how flutes are made

Ella surveys the fresh falling snow, baguette in hand

Early Thanksgiving dinner at grandma’s house, Ella has found her legos

At age two, Eleanor has already perfected her perplexed-reading-instructions face

And of course dinner breaks out into a verse or six of “Baby Shark”

She found a minion!

Everyone humoring dad/brother/uncle for a family photo

That’s a cute cousin set

November 16th, 2018

Eating dinner over at aunt Megan’s new house for Viv’s birthday, the kids relax for a few tacos. And for the llama kids unaccustomed to smoothies that aren’t mostly spinach, fruit and veggies, it seemed like a treat they were “getting away with” and defensively chugged without pause. Viv gives dad the download…

Happy birthday, Genevieve!!

Ella’s piece of cupcake lasted about as long as you’d expect

Playing with some of Viv’s new birthday gifts, styling the bracelets with ma